Fireworks Safety Tips from a Lutherville Expert

Driving down York Road, you've probably noticed the bright yellow fireworks stands that have begun to spring up, just as they do each year around this time.

One Lutherville man wants to make sure that whatever you may or may not buy from one of these stands doesn't hurt you come Independence Day.

Our old friend Jack Leonard, the vice president of the National Council of Fireworks Safety, sent along the following safety tips when handling sparklers, boomers, whizzers and bangers and what have you.

"With the Fourth of July only a few weeks away, it's time to think about the safe use of Maryland legal fireworks.

"If your holiday plans include using sparklers or ground based fountains, always remember the following safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety. 

• Never let small children use fireworks of any kind.
• Be sure to closely supervise older children when they light fireworks.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Designate a sober adult to light the fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy to douse used sparklers and fountains.
• Soak used fireworks with water and dispose of them in a metal trash can.
• Always wear safety glasses when using fireworks.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers or run while holding them.

The tips may seem like common sense suggestions, but they are, in Leonard's opinion, helping the public bring down the annual number of injuries caused by fireworks.

“The injury rate went up in 2011, but what you have to remember too is the consumption of fireworks went up more than the injury rate. If you take the number of people per 100,000 we are still declining,” Leonard said. 

Do not mistake the 65-year-old Lutherville resident as a prude when it comes to celebrating our nation's independence. Leonard grew up with two parents in the fireworks industry and fondly recalls memories of the "bombs bursting in air." It is for this reason he turned to safety.

“I’ve always been a fireworks fan and it gulls me when Maryland didn’t sell any fireworks and other states did," Leonard said. "I figured, the reason why is because they are afraid of injuries. So the way to diffuse their hatred of fireworks is to try and decrease the injuries.

“I think fireworks of some sort should be legal in every state,” he continued.

Read more about Jack Leonard .

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How are you planning to celebrate the Fourth of July? Tell us in the comments section below.